Day 1 : Quebec

The only walled city in North America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quebec City has a distinct French flavor and is blessed with a spectacular location on a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Dominating the skyline is the splendid hotel Chateau Frontenac, a romantic sight with its steep-pitched roofs and French-style turrets. Quebec City is an explorer's delight with cobblestoned streets, 17th and 18th-century buildings, an immense star-shaped fortress and a funicular that you can ride between the upper and lower towns. Visit the Petit Champlain quarter, the oldest part, the Place des Armes and Plains of Abraham-all with a genteel, European character.

Day 2 : At Sea

Day 3 : Charlottetown

A provincial capital with a distinctly English feel. Where red double-decker buses motor along streets lined with Victorian homes, boutiques and tea shops; and the house of "Anne of Green Gables" is open for all to visit.

Day 4 : Sydney

Nova Scotia's second largest city, Sydney is located on Cape Breton Island. While the tradition is definitely Scottish, one of the highlights of a visit to Sydney is the restored French fortress at Louisbourg-where shopkeepers and inhabitants dress, live and produce goods in the tradition of the 18th century. At Sydney, you'll also find some of Eastern Canada's most beautiful parks and trails. The Alexander Graham Bell Museum is worth a visit, too.

Day 5 : Halifax

Ascend the hillside streets to the Citadel, a star-shaped fort built in 1749, where the traditional Noon Gun recalls the British garrison. Visit the restored wharves of Historic Properties, now filled with shops, and Halifax Public Gardens, the oldest formal Victorian gardens in North America. Or drive out along the Lighthouse Route to the rustic fishing village of Peggy's Cove, for postcard-perfect Nova Scotian scenery: lobster pots, fishing boats, and a shining Atlantic seascape just offshore.

Day 6 : Portland

Maine's largest city, Portland is known for its stately elms, historic homes and restored waterfront area. Considered the gateway to "Down East" Maine, this coastal city is a great spot to enjoy Maine lobster fresh from the sea. You can visit Longfellow's boyhood home or explore the Portland Headlight, the oldest lighthouse in constant use today. And nearby is Freeport, home of L.L. Bean and a large selection of discount and outlet stores.

Day 7 : Bar Harbor

Drawn by the pines, granite shores, fresh lobster and stunning views from Cadillac Mountain, captains of industry once kept summer homes here. The charming little town, and all the rest, remain. And the rocky boulder beaches on its shoreline are now Acadia National Park, a preserved expanse of vintage Down East scenery.

Day 8 : Boston

The history and brick-laid beauty of Boston is easy to enjoy. Just follow the Freedom Trail past the Old North Church, Paul Revere Park, Fanieul Hall, the Commons, Old Ironsides and more landmarks of America's birth. Across the Charles River is Cambridge and Harvard. You can also venture to Marblehead and Salem to the south, or Lexington and Concord to the north. Back in town, you have your choice of clam chowder at the wharf, or great Italian food in the North End.